Young aspiring filmmaker's tip-off helped police trap director duo in Kochi

KOCHI: A youngster who reached the Purva Grandbay apartment the other day to narrate the story to directors Khalid Rahman and Ashraf is suspected to have given details about the drug use to the police. As per reports, the youngster used to frequent this apartment and knew very well about the demeanours of the film directors. The excise department received information late at night about this apartment now turning into a drug den for film directors in the Malayalam industry.

Famed filmmakers Ashraf Hamza and Khalid Rahman, and their friend Shalih Mohammed (35) were arrested at 2 am on Sunday from the Purva Grand Bay flat of prominent cinematographer Sameer Thahir near the Goshree Bridge in Ernakulam.

It is suspected that the two made a transaction through Shalih Mohammed. 1.6 grams of hybrid cannabis and paraphernalia were recovered from their apartment. All three were released on station bail after medical examination. Sameer Thahir may also be charged under the NDPS Act.

After submitting the arrest documents to the court today, Sameer and the accused will be summoned for questioning. The Kochi native who delivered the hybrid cannabis is absconding.